Acid-free nail primer: what is it and how to use it?

Regardless of where you prefer to do a manicure (in a beauty salon or on your own), you need to use additional funds for color coating. Among them, the base, top coating and primer are ordinary and acid-free. Each of these tools performs its tasks, they are not replaced by each other.

Primer is a special fluid whose function is to provide adhesion between a natural nail and artificial coating. He prepares the plate for the procedure. By composition, the primers are divided into acid-free and acidic, most often the product is packaged in jars, containers and bottles. Having come into contact with air, the primer dries, so keeping it open for a long time is not recommended. During use, it can cause unpleasant sensations in the form of tingling, pulling effect with different intensities. However, these are fleeting side effects that do not affect the result.

The liquid has a thin consistency, watery or gel type, which does not have any shade, and often smell. Packaging, as a rule, is opaque, since light destructively affects the structure of the composition and reduces the shelf life. From a chemical point of view, the composition is not simple:

• methacrylic acid;
• ethyl acetate;
• 2-hydroxyethylmatacrylate.

It is these substances that give the tool the ability to fasten an artificial plate with a natural one.

Depending on the amount of acid contained, primers are classified as acid-free and acidic.In the first, acids are not completely absent, they are simply contained in a smaller amount and act less aggressively on the nail, do not dry it. For weakened thin nails, it is recommended that such types of products as an acid-free primer and prep-primer are recommended. The latter is the most gentle of all possible preliminary coatings.

It is distinguished by its soft action, it does not seep into the deep layer of the plate, maintains a moisture balance, and prevents dehydration.

In order for the coating to be even and strong, the natural plate must be degreased with high quality. The primer solves the following problems:

• degreasing the surface of the nail;
• dries the top layer of the nail plate without destroying the deep;
• disinfects
• prevents delamination and deformation of plates;
• protects from aggressive coatings;
• improves adhesion, and hence the service life of the coating.

Even if you just coat your nails with a regular, unstable pigment, you do not need to exclude the primer from the algorithm. It perfectly coats the nail, prepares the plate, ensures long-term wearing without chips for a long time. In addition, the tool will act as a barrier between the pigment and the natural nail. The varnish will lie more evenly and smoothly.

It is impossible to carry out the nail extension procedure without a primer. In this type of manicure, it is not only the most effective, but also indispensable.

If the product does not have methacrylic acid, it is called acid-free. It also dries and protects the nail, provides adhesion to the artificial nail, but has a less traumatic effect on the plate. The composition is more gentle, but less effective. It is ideal for dried and very weak, thin nails. At the same time, it is absolutely not suitable for use with pedicures.

Today, the variety of brands in the nail art market is very large. Among professionals and amateurs, some acid-free primers are very popular.

• Runail. It has a liquid composition, due to which it is enough for a long time. Despite the small packaging, it does not contain acids. Dries quickly, suitable for all gel coatings.
• Kodi. Very common, economical. It does not act aggressively on the cuticle, does not cause burns, is suitable for gel coatings, as well as for acrylic extensions. The price is affordable, while the tool can be bought at any professional store.
• Bluesky. It is odorless, in consistency similar to vegetable oil, does not require drying in a special lamp. The brush is as comfortable as possible for use. Among the minuses is a long drying time. Among the advantages is a very budget price.
• TNL. Very comfortable brush, dries quickly, gives an excellent grip, but can cause burns. It is not easy to apply, it can deform the plate.

• Vogue Nails. It has a pronounced pungent odor, perfectly maintains the gel surface, provides long-term durability. But the composition is aggressive, it can spoil the plate.
• Lady Victory. The primer has proven itself in the professional market, the volume of the bottle is quite large.

• Le Vole Ultra Bond. The company produces several types of bonders and primers, you can choose a tool for any coating.Means are hypoallergenic, comfortable to use, do not cause damage to the plate and skin.
• Ez Flow. It is produced in a small volume, while the range of funds is very wide. The compositions are diverse, they allow you to choose a tool for any type of nails and type of coating, dry very quickly, the consistency is liquid.
• IBD. Provides a high degree of adhesion, while not containing acid. Perfectly levels the plate, fills all deformed cracks and irregularities, requires drying in the lamp, gel-like.

It is better to opt for professional supermarkets and online stores, official websites of representatives of a particular company. Occasionally held fairs of professional skills also arrange sales. Before making this or that choice, you need to study this segment in the markets of not only your country, since ordering from the official website of another country is usually much more profitable.

The price category of primers is quite wide, the cost varies from 150 to 2 thousand rubles. As for acid-free products, they are much cheaper. Do not choose the cheapest tool, you need to study the reviews of professionals and amateurs and choose the most suitable option. Inexpensive products are characterized by aggressive composition and poor durability.

First of all, you must carefully follow the instructions that come with the bottle. There are general principles of use and secrets of professionals that are suitable for any kind of primer:

• applied after hygienic manicure, cutting the cuticle, shaping the nails, but before using the base coat;
• degreasing of the surface is necessary;
• movements during application should be very careful so that the composition does not get on the skin;
• first, a brush should be drawn from the end to the center, only then distributed on the sides;

• be sure to squeeze the brush so that the layer is loose;
• liquid formulations dry on their own; gel formulations may require drying in a special lamp;
• gel type primers have a sticky surface, they dry longer and require particularly thin application;
• if the surface is even moist after a few minutes, it is wet with a napkin.

You can replace the primer with a bonder or prep, but only if you use a gel coating or ordinary unstable varnish. They do not provide special durability, however, their composition is quite comfortable and does not spoil the nails.

In general, reviews about acid-free primers have a positive focus. Buyers note their positive effect when applied to weakened plates, moderate manicure resistance, comfort in use: there are no pungent odors, just applied. Liquid formulations of primers are called more economical; they are easier to apply and instantly dry. Negative reviews are most often associated with gel-like formulations, which are more difficult to apply and dry longer.

To see which primer to choose, acidic or acidless, see the next video.